Comparing the Ivies to the Public Ivies

The Ivies have lower acceptance rates and higher Niche Academics grades, but the Public Ivies are more widely dispersed across the country and have Niche Academics grades just slightly lower than the Ivy League, with not one school lower than a B+. Public Ivies also have bigger undergrad populations than regular Ivies. Plus, Ivy League schools do not award student athletic scholarships, whereas Public Ivies tend to reward athletes, since many of these schools are involved in athletic conferences like Big Ten, Big 12, and more.

Greenes’ Guides to Public Ivies

In their 2001 book “The Public Ivies: America’s Flagship Public Universities,” Howard and Matthew Greene took Moll’s initial 1985 list and expanded on it to include 30 of the best public colleges and universities, dividing them by regions including Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Western, and Great Lakes & Midwest.

Other “Ivies”

The Bottom Line

Bigger and more scattered around the country, the Public Ivies offer some resources and perks that Ivy League schools don’t, including cheaper tuition and higher acceptance rates. While they may not have the “best of the best” reputation of the Ivy League, for many students, Public Ivies’ eclectic atmosphere is more conducive and desirable for four or more years of learning.